Community Compost Hub
We’re diverting food waste and nourishing communities with locally-made compost
Composting your table scraps at one of Fresh Approach’s Community Compost Hubs in San Mateo County transforms food waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that reduces landfill waste and methane emissions. Instead of sending food scraps to the landfill, they will be biologically decomposed by microorganisms and “decomposers” into a valuable product that improves soil health, structure, and water retention.
170 Members
engaged in our
community compost hub
10,200 lbs
food scraps
diverted from landfill
3 Sites
across San Mateo County for compost collections & integrations
*Data from 2025 Annual Report
Community Compost Hub
As a Community Compost Hub member, you can bring your food scraps in the provided buckets to one of our collection sites listed below. You can receive your bucket once you complete the online compost training. Buckets can then be picked up at the collection sites listed below.
Food Scrap Collection Sites
- Every Wednesday (November to April) from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the East Palo Alto Community Garden
- Every Wednesday (April to November) from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market
- Every Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the
San Mateo Farmers’ Market
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Compost Hub Training
For anyone interested in joining the Fresh Approach Community Compost Hub, check out our virtual Community Compost Hub Training video (offered in both English and Spanish). Once you complete the virtual training, come visit us at one of our collection sites to get your green compost bucket.
“I love visiting the farmers market in San Mateo. I appreciate how Fresh Approach educates the community about the importance of food waste and which food scraps are safe for making compost.”
Tina Marquez, San Mateo Community Compost Hub Member
Volunteer with the Community Compost Hub
Food Scrap Collections Volunteers
Support in the collection of food scraps from community compost hub members, sifting compost, and distributing clean compost buckets!
- Food Scrap Collection Workdays
- Every Wednesday (November to April), 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the East Palo Alto Community Garden
- Every Wednesday (April to November), 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market
- Every Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the San Mateo Farmers’ Market
Compost Hub Integration Volunteers
Assist with breaking down food scraps, cleaning compost buckets, and maintaining compost piles to create nutrient-rich soil!
- Compost Hub Integration Workdays
- Every Wednesday, 1:45 – 3:30 PM at the East Palo Alto Community Garden
- Every Saturday, 1:30 – 3:30 PM at the Phoenix Garden
For all volunteers under Age 16, adult supervision is required.
